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Lena Headey is looking back on how some Game of Thrones fans were upset she didn't go nude onscreen.

Headey, 52, is best known for her role as Cersei Lannister on the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, which is based on the beloved book series by George R. R. Martin. But in a new interview, the British actress reflected on how she faced a significant backlash from fans during the show's fifth season when she decided to use a body double in a nude scene. When word got out that a body double and some CGI were used for the scene, Thrones fans were very upset and took to social media to declare their frustration with Headey.

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“I was really shocked by the anger, by this idea that I’d duped the audience,” Headey shared in a new interview with The Telegraph. “But by that point everyone knew [the cast], it was insane simply going anywhere, and I was with 3,000 extras. Acting is a joy, but it requires a lot of you. I wouldn’t have been able to do the emotional part of the job; I’d have been in full-on defensive mode.”

At the time, Headey spoke of the controversy, telling Entertainment Weekly that “some people thought I was less of an actress because I didn’t get my tits out."

It was really a bit shocking. I’ve done nudity. I’m not averse to it. But I know I’m a very emotional actor and I get really driven by that. In order to do my job, I allow myself to be really vulnerable. I don’t know any other way to do my job. Things really affect me," Headey shared with EW. "And the thought of being naked for three days and trying to contain her in the way she would be, I think I would feel very angry. I didn’t want to be angry. I don’t think Cersei would be angry. I did what I thought she would do, emotionally.”

What's Next for Lena Headey?

Lena appears in the new BBC Radio audio drama Intimacy, in which she plays Liza Simmons, whose dream job on a major film set takes a dark turn when secrets resurface from her shared past with the director. Intimacy premieres on BBC Sounds on July 22.

Related: ‘House of the Dragon’ Has Broken a Record Previously Held by ‘Game of Thrones’

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A cold drink hits differently when it’s filled with the soft, chewable nugget ice you usually find at restaurants or drive-throughs, and now you can make it yourself at home. The Qunler Portable Nugget Ice Maker is on a flash deal at Walmart right now for just $130, down from $600. It comes in a stainless steel finish and has a convenient built-in handle, plus a one-touch self-cleaning function.

The machine can make its first batch in about 10 minutes and produce up to 33 pounds of ice in a day. It measures 12.7 inches long, 10.2 inches wide, and 8.3 inches high, so it doesn’t require a huge section of your counter. The nugget ice is soft and chewable, and its porous texture helps it soak up some of the flavor from iced coffee, soda, lemonade, and other drinks. It also comes with a scoop, built-in indicator lights that show when the basket is full or needs more water, and a three-year warranty.

Qunler Portable Nugget Ice Maker, $130 (was $600) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This ice maker is a dream if you’re hosting any events or get-togethers this summer. You can fill the machine with water before guests arrive and let it continue making ice while you set out food or mix drinks. And since it doesn’t need to be connected to a water line, you could also bring it to an RV, camper, or vacation rental.

Shoppers have described this little machine as a “space-saving” ice maker that’s “super easy to set up,” noting that it “makes ice very quickly.” One person said it’s the “best nugget ice machine” they’ve ever had, while another called it a “lifesaver.” “Each nugget is small and perfectly sized for any cup,” a third reviewer wrote, calling it “lightweight but durable.”

Related: Martha Stewart’s $36 Acacia Wood Serving Board Is Perfect for Summer Grazing Tables

The nugget ice can be used beyond everyday drinks, too. You could blend it into smoothies or frozen cocktails, fill a cooler before a picnic, or spread it beneath shrimp, fruit, and bottled beverages to keep everything cold while serving food outside. It’s also convenient for filling an ice bucket while guests serve themselves.

Shop More Deals

• Simzlife Countertop Ice Maker, From $50 (was $107) at Walmart
• Auseo Countertop Ice Maker, $52 (was $109) at Walmart
• Concetta Countertop Ice Maker, $44 (was $81) at Walmart

At just $130, this is the perfect time to add this to your cart before the price jumps back up to $600. A discount this steep makes it super easy to justify adding a new appliance to the kitchen, especially during the season when it’s likely to be used the most, so be sure to head to Walmart to grab the Qunler Portable Nugget Ice Maker while it’s still 78% off.

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There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people's trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.

Here's a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.

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Who won Jeopardy today?Caleb Groen

Caleb Groen won his twelfth consecutive game, earning $24,801 and pushing his 12-day running total to $346,968.

Who are the Jeopardy contestants today?Angharad Rebholz

Angharad Rebholz is a middle school teacher from Hopewell, New Jersey.

Andy Strange

Andy Strange is a project test engineer from Erlanger, Kentucky.

Caleb Groen

Caleb Groen is a law and policy student originally from Thousand Oaks, California.

Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans With an ‘Outlander’ Category — Can You Answer the Clues?

What was Final Jeopardy today?

Final Jeopardy today was in the category "MOVIE MUSIC"

The clue: "The main theme heard in this movie uses a motif that's an alternating pattern of an E & an F, gradually becoming insistent."

The answer: "What is Jaws?"

Groen ended the week on a high note, but it was the closest he’s come this week to nearly losing it all. 

Groen was ahead at the end of the DJ Round, with $24,200, as Strange trailed behind with $12,400, with Rebholz at $1,600. 

All three contestants answered FJ correctly, as we’re less than a week away from Shark Week, but it was Strange’s wager that almost lost Groen the game. He bet $12,000, bringing his total to $24,400, while Groen only wagered $601, jumping to $24,801, $401 more than Strange, landing him in the top spot. Rebholz, meanwhile, wagered $600 and ended in third place with $2,200. 

Groen will be back on Monday for attempt number 13.

Did you get the answer? Sound off in the comments!

When is Jeopardy on next?

Jeopardy! will come back on Monday, July 20, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch.

Where is Jeopardy streaming?

Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment's notice.

Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' Questions Are Easier

Off Campus actress Ella Bright has been named Rare Beauty's first-ever ambassador. The British-American star fronts the new "Made You Blush" campaign starring the cult-favourite liquid blush.

 Rare Beauty launched in 2020 by Only Murders in the Building star Selena Gomez. The make up line went instantly viral, with beauty gurus raving their Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick and Positive Light Under Eye Brightener.

“I’m so excited to announce my partnership with Rare Beauty as the new face of the ‘Made You Blush’ campaign,” Bright gushed in the press release. “I’ve been a massive fan of the brand for years, and their Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has always been a favorite in my makeup routine. "

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She continued, "I really admire Rare Beauty’s dedication to mental health initiatives, which is why this project means so much to me.” This refers to Rare Impact, the non-profit initiative founded by Gomez with the mission of increasing access to youth mental health services and education globally

In the new campaign video, Bright stands by as a group of men try to impress her. “People are always trying to make me blush,” she flirtatiously says in the clip. “Funny thing is, no one ever can.”

"Turns out, there’s only one thing that makes me blush: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush by Rare Beauty,” she says after none of the men impresses her.

Elle Bright found fame on Amazon Prime Video's Off Campus. She plays Hannah Wells in the series, which is based on the best-selling books by Elle Kennedy. The show follows the love and professional lives of an elite college ice hockey team at the fictional Briar University.

Rare Beauty is a line that is "made to feel good in, without hiding what makes you unique—because Rare Beauty is not about being someone else, but being who you are," the website reads.

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Related: Who's Dating Who? The Real-Life Relationship Statuses of the 'Off Campus' Cast

Church's Texas Chicken's Honey-Butter Biscuits just earned the title of best fast food side dish in the country, according to USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and the chain isn't shy about celebrating.

The 10Best awards work in two stages: a panel of food and travel experts nominates contenders in each category, then the public votes to decide the winner.

Fried chicken sides have long been dominated by a handful of familiar names. KFC's biscuits and Popeyes' Cajun-spiced offerings have built loyal followings over the years, but when USA Today readers cast their votes for the best fast food side in the nation, it was Church's Honey-Butter Biscuits that came out on top.

The scratch-made biscuits, drizzled with the chain's signature honey butter, have built a cult following that goes beyond the drive-thru. They're prepared fresh daily rather than shipped in frozen, which fans say sets them apart from other fast food biscuit offerings. Some are so enamored with the side that they've posted dozens of copycat recipes online, trying to recreate the fluffy, sweet biscuit at home rather than wait for their next Church's run.

It's also not the chain's first time in the spotlight. Church's biscuits climbed from a runner-up finish in both 2023 and 2024, to fifth place last year, before finally claiming the top spot in 2026.

Church's fried chicken had a strong showing of its own, landing at No. 2 in the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken category, edged out only by Jollibee. Together, the two wins mark one of the chain's strongest showings in the awards' history.

To celebrate, Church's is giving back to the fans who voted. Through July 23, customers who spend $20 or more on the chain's app or website can enter the code BESTBISCUIT at checkout for three free Honey-Butter Biscuits. Members of Church's rewards program will find the deal already loaded into their Bonus Offers, no code needed.

For anyone who's been meaning to try the biscuit that just topped the country's best side dishes, this is the week to do it.

Thirty years later, Mariah Carey isn't giving her fans a fantasy, she's giving them a Daydream. On Friday, July 17, the pop singer released a 30th anniversary edition of Daydream, her 1995 album that spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went on to earn 11x Platinum status, via streaming platforms. The expanded release isn't just a straightforward reissue, it comes packed with previously unreleased tracks, giving longtime fans (*affectionately known as the Lambily) a deeper look into one of the most influential albums of her career.

Carey shared the news in an Instagram post timed to the release, reflecting on just how many milestones the album represented for her. She pointed to Daydream as the album that introduced her first rap collaboration, the now-iconic "Fantasy" remix featuring the late O.D.B., along with her first time working with producer Jermaine Dupri, her first world tour, and the first music video she directed entirely on her own.

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That sense of nostalgia carries over into the anniversary release itself. For the first time, Carey is opening up her personal vault, sharing private writing sessions for "I Am Free" and "Melt Away," alongside remixes, live performances, acapella versions, and b-sides. According to the album's press materials, the reissue also includes fan favorites and a brand-new remix of "Underneath the Stars."

Streaming is just the beginning, too. Physical copies of the anniversary edition are set to arrive on Oct. 16, giving fans multiple ways to relive the era: including a triple LP, a 2-CD set, and cassette formats. (*Hope you kept your CDJs and boomboxes.) The vinyl edition goes a step further, featuring Carey's full 1995 live concert from Madison Square Garden, while the CD set includes previously unreleased performances of "Always Be My Baby" and "Open Arms" from a 1996 show in Rotterdam. Three decades in, and Daydream is proof that 'time can't erase' strong feelings.

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Fleetwood Mac had a knack for turning personal relationships into unforgettable songs, andStevie Nicks' "Storms" emerged as a reflective ballad inspired by her affair with Mick Fleetwood.

Tusk was undoubtedly one of the most crucial albums the band released amid their complex relationships, fights, screaming matches, and well-noted affairs. While many hits came from the album, Nicks' "Storms" became a heartbreak anthem that she based on her lament over her affair that ended Fleetwood's marriage.

The track was one of her five songs that appeared on the album, and the first she presented to the band for consideration. As the story goes, "Storms" wasn't well-received by the band, especially Lindsey Buckingham, who was critical of it from the get-go. His then-girlfriend, Carol Ann Harris, recalls a screaming battle that occurred between them because of it.

“These fights left their bloody marks, over and over again,” Harris remembered, according to Rolling Stone. “Added to the weight of the battle scars from Lindsey’s and Stevie’s past personal relationship, they made the atmosphere of the studio even uglier with each passing day.”

Engineer Hernán Rojas also remembers Nicks feeling overcriticized by the band for her songs, saying, "It wasn't that Stevie's songs weren't good, just that they presented more of a challenge, not only to arrange the song structure, but also to give it a brighter mood."

In truth, "Storms" wasn't written as an upbeat track, as it was about her and Fleetwood's affair having contributed to the end of his marriage. During the time the song was created, Fleetwood was married to Jenny Boyd, with Boyd having had her own affair with Peter Green. Boyd and Fleetwood married and divorced each other twice. It was shortly after Fleetwood’s second marriage to Boyd that Nicks began her affair with him.

"It was really about Mick...That relationship destroyed Mick's marriage to Jenny, who was the sweetest person in the world...Here’s that song in a nutshell: Don't break up other people's marriages. It will never work and will haunt you for the rest of your miserable days," confirmed Nicks.

It's also believed that Nicks wrote "Storms" after Fleetwood began dating her best friend, Sara Recor, and moved in together without telling her. One critic even caught on to the inspiration behind the song and said it's an "affecting look at romantic discomfort." In the end, Nicks wrote a track that was a hit among critics who called it a "lovely ballad." The track ultimately never entered the charts due to it never being released as a single.

Related: 1979 Rock Ballad, Inspired by a Real-Life Nightclub, Became a Nostalgic Soft Rock Classic

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Looking to add a little designer charm to your kitchen? If so, we found a standout servingware deal that’s too good to overlook. Right now, the MacKenzie-Childs Enamel Pie Plate is on sale for as low as $49 at Amazon, down from was $90. That’s the lowest recorded price for the pie plate on Amazon, making it easier to bring home one of the brand’s signature handcrafted designs without paying full price. 

The hand-painted pie plate comes in three stunning styles, including the iconic black-and-white Courtly Check for $49, the cozy Mocha Check for $67, and the delicate White Wild Rose pattern at full price.The pie plate is just one of several bestsellers from the luxury MacKenzie-Childs label currently marked down at Amazon, from kettles to stylish serving pieces and kitchen accessories.

MacKenzie-Childs Enamel Pie Plate, From $49 (Was $90) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This pie plate is more than a pretty kitchen accent — it’s designed to be used. Oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it can go from baking a classic apple pie or savory chicken pot pie to serving straight at the table. Just remember to let the dish come to room temperature before placing it in a heated oven.

Beyond baking, this charming pie plate doubles as a serving piece for salads, dinner rolls, or side dishes. Shoppers loved that it’s nice enough to leave out, whether displayed on a kitchen counter, open shelf, or dining table. 

The pie plate has also earned plenty of praise from shoppers who loved its design and versatility. One reviewer shared that its size makes it ideal for both displaying and serving. Another said it was “too pretty” not to show off, noting that it perfectly complemented their kitchen. A third shopper highlighted the signature MacKenzie-Childs checkered pattern, calling it unique and eye-catching.

It also makes a sweet gift for weddings, housewarmings, or anniversaries! One shopper shared that they gifted it for a 40th wedding anniversary and said it was a “hit” with the happy couple. 

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, From $46 (was $70) at Amazon
• Martha Stewart Selma Pasta Bowls, $24 (was $28) at Amazon
• Martha Stewart Lots of Lemons Kitchen Set, $20 (was $34) at Amazon

Related: The Pioneer Woman’s $12 Vintage-Style Stoneware Pie Plate Is the 'Best Baking Dish' for Summer Desserts

Whether you're treating yourself or shopping for someone who loves stylish kitchen décor, don’t miss the chance to bring home the MacKenzie-Childs Enamel Pie Plate while it's on sale! It may not last long at this record-low Amazon price.

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Time Travel is Big Brother 28's theme. We'll see familiar faces and things from the reality show's past.

Every week fans can vote for one of the houseguests to enter the time capsule where they can earn a reward or punishment. Here are a few punishments we hope to see this season.

1. 'Big Brother 24' Skid & Fancy Taylor Hale and Joseph Abdin

CBS

Many houseguests were shackled to each other for 48 hours before season 24. But Taylor Hale and Joseph Abdin doing it as Skid & Fancy is iconic. They dressed up as British punk rockers inspired by Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen.

Hale, 31 and Abdin, 28 became good friends throughout the season. The finale showed the beauty queen using Abdin's words as part of her winning speech. Fans hoped they would date after watching them do their punishment and they eventually did. Their romantic relationship didn't last, but they remain good friends.

Related: Julie Chen Moonves Admits One ‘Big Brother 28’ Reality Icon ‘Does Not Get It’ (Exclusive)

2. 'Big Brother 20' Robot Punishment

Sam Bledsoe was turned into a robot after a competition. This was controversial since winner Kaycee Clark got a costume on the same day.

The robot was great television and mostly funny. It does hurt a houseguest's game so it should be done for a short period of time. Or multiple houseguests should be turned into robots to even the scales.

Related: Julie Chen Moonves Reacts to ‘Big Brother 28’s First Showmance: ‘I’m Already Planning Their Wedding!’ (Exclusive)

3. The Whackstreet Boys of 'Big Brother 17'

Julia Nolan, Jason Roy, Jon "Johnny Mac" McGuire dressed in all white and wore headset microphones. They had to perform as a band for the rest of the house whenever production alerted them.

The funny punishment was inspired by the Backstreet Boys on the cover of their Millennium album. Backstreet Boys returned with a new song “Bottle Up” for PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie this year. It's a perfect time for a Whackstreet Boys reunion to celebrate.

Related: One Houseguest’s First Mistake Completely Flipped ‘Big Brother 28’s First Eviction

4. Pandora's Box Rachel Reilly on 'Big Brother 27'

Courtesy of CBS

The Pandora's Box isn't solely a punishment. If the houseguests open it, there is something good for the Head of Household and something bad for the rest of the house.

The evicted Rachel Reilly was unleashed on the house for 24 hours to annoy the houseguests. Brendon Villegas, on the other hand, got a spa day. It's one of the most iconic uses of the twist.

Reilly already appeared in the premiere of season 28. It would be perfect for her to return after falling into a volcano to bother the houseguests later in the game.

5. The Classic Unitard

Jen Johnson from Big Brother 8 was the first houseguest to wear a unitard as punishment. We later seen unitards in different colors and patterns. It would be nice to return to the first red one that went with the Cutthroat Christmas Power of Veto competition.

There are tasks that are given as punishments, but they can interrupt the game. Hopefully, the punishments in time capsule are fun and not game-ending for the unfortunate houseguests.

Fans can vote for a new houseguest every week at cbs.com/bbvote. There are six powers and six punishments, which gives them an equal chance. A houseguest can go into the time capsule once this season.

Related: Levi Banks Reveals Why He Dropped Out of ‘Big Brother 28’

When King Crimson released "Lizard" in 1970, the band wasn't interested in writing a conventional rock song.

Instead, the group closed its third studio album with a sprawling, 23-minute suite that stretched the possibilities of progressive rock. Divided into several interconnected movements, "Lizard" blended jazz, classical music and psychedelic rock into a composition that continues to fascinate listeners 56 years later.

Written primarily by guitarist and bandleader Robert Fripp and lyricist Peter Sinfield, the piece arrived during one of the most turbulent periods in King Crimson's history.

The band's lineup had changed dramatically following the success of its groundbreaking 1969 debut, In the Court of the Crimson King. By the time Lizard was recorded, Fripp was the only remaining founding member, leading a new group of musicians through one of the most experimental chapters of the band’s career.

Rather than following a traditional verse-and-chorus structure, "Lizard" unfolds as a musical journey.

The suite moves through distinct sections, including "Prince Rupert Awakes," "Bolero – The Peacock's Tale," "The Battle of Glass Tears," and "Prince Rupert's Lament, with shifting tempos, orchestral passages, jazz improvisation and dramatic instrumental interplay. The result feels more like a symphonic work than a standard rock recording.

One of the song's most memorable moments comes courtesy of Jon Anderson of Yes, who makes a rare guest appearance on vocals during the "Prince Rupert Awakes" section. His unmistakable voice adds another layer to an already ambitious production and marked one of the few times Anderson recorded outside of Yes during that era.

Although Lizard initially divided critics and fans because of its complexity, its reputation has grown dramatically over the decades. A major turning point came in 2009, when Steven Wilson created a new stereo and 5.1 surround remix in collaboration with Robert Fripp for the album’s 40th anniversary edition.

Fripp, who had long been critical of the record, remarked afterward, "For the first time I have heard the Music in the music."

"For me, Lizard has always been an album that was too big for stereo to contain," said Wilson. "I've always felt that if presented in the right way, I could make a case for this being the most experimental rock record ever made. It's extraordinary what they’re doing on this album. In terms of fusing free-jazz with progressive rock for me, there's almost no parallel."

While it was never intended to be a radio hit, "Lizard" exemplifies the fearless experimentation that made King Crimson one of progressive rock's most influential bands. Its intricate arrangements, literary imagery and refusal to follow commercial expectations helped define an era when rock musicians were expanding the boundaries of what the genre could be.

More than five decades after its release, the 23-minute epic remains one of progressive rock's most enduring compositions. For listeners willing to take the journey, "Lizard" is still every bit as adventurous and rewarding as it was in 1970.

Related: 1970 Classic Ballad, Written by a 17-Year-Old, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

Nara Smith has shared the update so many followers had been hoping for.

Just weeks after revealing that her 2-year-old daughter, Whimsy Lou, had been diagnosed with cancer, the influencer returned to social media with news that her little girl is now in remission.

In an emotional video shared Friday, July 17, Smith thanked followers for the outpouring of support after opening up about one of the hardest chapters of her family's life. "I just wanted to come on here and say thank you so so much for all your kind messages, prayers, support," she said in the Instagram Reel. "It truly has meant so, so much to us."

Smith explained that she and husband Lucky Blue Smith had been privately navigating Whimsy's diagnosis for the past eight months before deciding to share it publicly. "Lucky and I have been going through this and processing it for the last 8 months, and we were debating on even sharing such a private part of our life," she said.

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She added that she intentionally waited until her daughter had completed treatment before speaking publicly: "I wanted to wait until she was done with treatment and Knowing what the outcome of her situation would be before sharing it. Now that she's finally in remission, it felt like I could find the words to share."

Smith explained that sharing her family's story was about helping others. Saying chemotherapy opened her eyes to the financial strain many families face, Smith shared links to GoFundMe campaigns supporting children currently undergoing treatment rather than asking for donations for her own family.

“She sat on this privately for a year…. She’s sharing for support to others that is how you use your platform the right way,” one fan wrote in the comments.

“Thank you for sharing, supporting others and shedding light on the expensive health care system. You and your family are amazing,” said another.

A third praised, “To think of other people during your own journey 💎.”

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Smith first revealed Whimsy's diagnosis on July 1, explaining that she and Lucky sought medical care after noticing something unusual. After emergency room visits, appointments with their pediatrician, imaging scans, and a biopsy, doctors confirmed that Whimsy had cancer and that it had spread, prompting immediate chemotherapy. Smith has not publicly shared the specific type of cancer at this time.

Now, Smith says her family is slowly adjusting to life after treatment." Lucky and I have been trying to return to everyday life and taking it day by day," she said. "I don't know whether life will ever feel normal again, but we're trying to navigate this next chapter the best that we can."

McDonald's is dressing up its drive-through menu with a flavor that feels more at home in a cozy farmhouse kitchen than a fast-food window.

The chain is rolling out two new breakfast sandwiches, the Honey Brown Butter Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit and the Honey Brown Butter Chicken Biscuit, with a nationwide debut set for July 21, Quartz reported on Thursday, July 16.

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The good news is fans don't have to wait that long. Several locations have already added the sandwiches to the app ahead of schedule, giving early risers a head start on the new menu. The bacon, egg, and cheese version comes layered with folded egg, two half-strips of bacon, and American cheese, while the chicken biscuit swaps in a crispy, golden patty.

Neither sandwich strays too far from the biscuits McDonald's fans already know and love. What makes them feel special is the finishing touch: a warm drizzle of honey-brown butter sauce over the top of each one. McDonald's isn't limiting the flavor to the two new sandwiches, either. The New York Post reported that customers can add the honey-brown butter sauce to any breakfast item on the menu, so even a regular order can get a little more indulgent.

Brown Butter Is Having a Major Moment (And it's a Hit)

McDonald's isn't the only brand cashing in on the trend. Pillsbury recently rolled out a brown butter chocolate chip cookie dough, and McCormick introduced a Brown Butter Finishing Salt for home cooks hoping to replicate the flavor themselves.

The new sauce also marks a departure from the hot honey craze that has dominated fast-food menus for years.

Rather than chasing heat, McDonald's is leaning into warmth and comfort, combining honey's sweetness with brown butter's nuttiness for a combination that feels built for a buttery biscuit.

Where and When to Try Them

The Honey Brown Butter Biscuits is already popping on the McDonald’s app for around $5.19, though availability and pricing depend on location. The nationwide rollout is expected July 21, but some customers may already be able to order them through the app.

Taylor Farms has released a statement regarding the Cyclospora outbreak.

The popular lettuce supplier, known for their salad blends and kits, took to Instagram on Friday, claiming that "No Taylor Farms branded salads or kits are associated with this cyclospora outbreak."

"As a family-owned and operated company, we are deeply concerned for those who became ill, their families, and the many Americans whose trust in the safety of their fresh produce has been shaken. That trust is something we’ve worked for decades to earn, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to restore that confidence," the company wrote. "Based on information provided yesterday by the FDA, Taylor Farms de Mexico is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico."

The post added statements saying that "No Taylor Farms branded salads or kits are associated with this outbreak. No Taylor Farms branded salad kits contain iceberg lettuce."

It concluded by saying, "While the FDA traceback is indicating a specific independent farm, which represents less than 1% of the U.S.’s iceberg lettuce supply, as the potential source of the outbreak, we have removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely."

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Earlier on Friday, Bloomberg News reported that Taylor ​Farms told U.S. regulators it was preparing to recall ingredients linked to the parasite outbreak.

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What Is Cyclospora?

 Cyclosporais a parasite that is generally transmitted when infected feces (poop) contaminate food or water. When people eat food or drink water that’s contaminated with Cyclospora, they can get an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis, says the FDA.

The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about one week, though it can range from 2-14 days or more. It infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. People may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms, the FDA shared.

More than 1,644 people reported eating at Taco Bell before becoming sick with the parasitic infection, and 94 had been hospitalized, according to the C.D.C.

RELATED: Taco Bell Locations Pull Popular Toppings as ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Spreads

The CDC Linked the Outbreak to Lettuce Sent to Taco Bell

The New York Times previously reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had linked iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms supplied to Taco Bell. The CDC said the shredded lettuce was sent to the popular fast food chain's locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. People in those states were warned not to eat iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in those states.

On Thursday evening, Taco Bell shared in a statement that it was voluntarily removing potentially affected lettuce it had received from a supplier in select states. It did not identify the supplier, but noted that lettuce from that source would be “indefinitely removed” from its locations across the country, the Times continued.

Related: CDC Links Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Causing 'Explosive Diarrhea' in 5 States to This Food

Crew Gaines just proved he inherited his parents' entrepreneurial streak, and business is already booming.

Joanna Gaines shared a rare glimpse of her youngest child in a Thursday, July 16, Instagram video, showing Crew, 8, harvesting tomatoes, watermelon, and flowers from the family garden before setting up shop inside Magnolia's Waco, Texas, headquarters. He named the setup Crew's Farm Stand, and it didn't take long for customers to show up.

Employees from across the Magnolia and Magnolia Realty teams stopped by throughout the morning to support the young business owner, snapping up his produce and flowers before lunchtime.

"His farm stand sold out in the first hour!" Joanna wrote in her caption, adding that she was proud of her son and grateful to the teams for supporting him.

Fans and Chip Can't Get Enough

The comments section quickly filled with praise for the young entrepreneur. "Stop it right now! That's too cute," one follower wrote, while another said, "The cutest thing I've seen in a long time!"

A third fan joked about merchandise, asking, "Sold out in an hour? When's the 'Crew's Farm Stand' merch drop?" 

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Others chimed in with similar enthusiasm, with one person marveling, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Love this," while another praised how carefully Crew arranged his produce, calling it proof of how much heart he put into the setup. Chip Gaines got in on the fun too, commenting, "I know you're not supposed to have favorites... but he's my favorite! (8yr old)."

The couple also shares kids Drake, Ella, Duke, and Emmie.

The Gaines Kids Mostly Stay Offline

Chip and Joanna typically keep their children's faces off social media, making moments like Crew's farm stand video a rare treat for fans. The kids have occasionally popped up on the family's TV projects instead, including cameos on Magnolia Network and HGTV's Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House.

View this post on Instagram Another Funny Family Story This Summer

Crew's farm stand wasn't the only sweet family story Joanna shared this month. Earlier in July, she recounted a string of panicked texts from her eldest son, Drake, who was attempting to cook chicken on his own.

According to Joanna, the texts read, "Mom, I'm scared," followed by "I'm making chicken," then "I think I'm gonna accidentally poison myself," before he finally asked how to cook it. Rather than reply by text, Joanna said she called him, explaining that she didn't want him to get food poisoning.

As summer winds down, the Gaines family is preparing for another transition, with both Drake and his older sister, Ella, heading back to college in the coming weeks. 

Since Stranger Things star Sadie Sink posted the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer on Instagram, fans have been speculating who she’ll be playing in the new film. With many theorizing that Sink will play Jean Grey from X-Men, the actress took to social media to address these rumors.

“Since the trailer dropped, I’ve seen so many theories about who I’m playing,” Sink said in an Instagram reel. “To match your incredible energy, I’ve decided to give you three exclusive, confirmed answers right now.”

Sink jokingly said, “I can confirm I am not Spider-Man. Second, I can confirm I am not Aunt May. And third, I can definitely confirm that I am in this movie.”

“As for who I really am, you’ll have to find out in the theater,” Sink concluded.

Theories about Sink playing Jean Grey began when, at the 58-second mark of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, a psychic blast stretches across Manhattan. Fans compared the shot to Jean Grey’s telepathic power surging in X-Men: Evolution.

While Marvel has kept Sink’s role under wraps, Sink did call the Jean Grey theory “an awesome rumor” and said she had “nothing to say about this.”

“C'mon we know you're Jean,” one fan insisted on Instagram.

“I can definitely confirm that I’ll watch this movie,” another said.

“I really thought she was going to be Spider-Man,” one user joked. “Thanks for clearing the air Sadie 😉”

“AHH THE TROLL IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE,” another said.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to release in theaters on July 31, with Tom Holland and Zendaya reprising their roles as Peter Parker and MJ. The film will take place after the events of No Way Home, following Parker as he navigates a world that no longer knows his name. A new trailer was released last month, and it can be seen here:

Long before his marriage to Megan Fox, Brian Austin Green was known as David Silver - heartthrob of Beverly Hills, 90210 and one of the defining teen crushes of the '90s. Decades later, Green is opening up about how much things have changed since those years, and it turns out, he’s aging like a fine wine.

During the Thursday, July 16 episode of the "I Do, Part 2" podcast, a fan asked the now-53-year-old actor whether intimacy has improved with age, or if he finds himself missing his 20s. Green didn't hesitate: things have gotten better, and it comes down to a shift in mindset rather than anything physical.

He explained that these days, he's far less focused on his own insecurities and much more attuned to making sure his partner feels good - prioritizing connection over performance. It's a notable evolution for someone whose personal life has played out largely in the public eye, from his marriage to Megan Fox to his current relationship with fiancée Sharna Burgess, with whom he says he now feels far more present than he did with past partners earlier in life.

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Looking back on his 90210 heyday, Green admitted intimacy used to feel more transactional - something to get through before moving on to the next thing. He said he used to feel pressure to seem confident and polished, chasing an idea of "cool" rather than genuinely connecting with a partner, which he said only complicated things.

Now, he says his outlook is much simpler: it's about being with someone he loves and wanting her to feel good, plain and simple. Even if life with kids means less time for it than he and Burgess might like. It's a full-circle moment for the actor once known for playing one of TV's ultimate teen heartthrobs - proof that maturity, apparently, comes with its own perks.

Josh Duhamel just had a realization about his marriage that made him feel every one of his 53 years.

During an appearance on The HoneyDew With Ryan Sickler podcast on Monday, July 13, the actor shared the unexpected moment he realized just how close in age his wife Audra Mari is to his youngest sister.

While reminiscing about his family, Duhamel recalled being in college when his mother welcomed his youngest sibling, Cassidy. “Cassidy came along and I was playing football at Minot State University. I remember looking up at the stands and I saw my mom and had this bump,” he shared. “And I’m like, ‘Is my mom pregnant?’ I’m 21 years old and she’s having another baby.”

It wasn't until years later that the memory came full circle. “There’s a picture of me holding Cassidy as a 21-year-old young man with this little bitty infant,” Duhamel explained. “I looked at the photo and I looked at my wife and I said, ‘You and Cassidy are exactly the same age.'”

That's when the realization hit. “I am officially too old for you. They’re literally like months apart in age. I never looked at it like that until I saw that photo. I was like, ‘Wait a second.'”

Fans had mixed opinions on the comment, however.

@ryan.sickler

Josh Duhamel's young #wife

♬ original sound - Ryan Sickler - Ryan Sickler

“Men always proud of themselves when they got a ‘young’ one is disturbing,” one TikTok user wrote in the comments of the clip.

“Thats just weird…,” another agreed, while a third commneted, “Now there is nothing wrong with his and his wife’s age difference at this point in life. But can we stop with these types of jokes. “

Others didn’t seem the issue, though.

“So what the man has a 20 year age gap his wife is 30 she old enough to make a sound decision about being with her 50 year old husband they are both adults,” a user replied.

Another said, “All these comments are over reacting he obviously meant his wife is a baby just like their baby.”

READ MORE: Josh Duhamel Shares Rare Insight Into Why His Marriage to Fergie Ended

Duhamel and Mari, a former Miss World America, tied the knot in 2022 before welcoming their son, Shepherd, in January 2024. The Ransom Canyon actor also shares 13-year-old son Axl with ex-wife Fergie.

Although Duhamel and Fergie ended their marriage years ago, he's continued to speak positively about both his former and current partners. Earlier this year, he explained that the two simply grew apart because they have "different views of the world," adding that he has "no regrets" about their relationship because "We have a beautiful son."

He also praised the women in his life, calling Mari an "amazing wife" and Fergie an "amazing mom." Duhamel has even shared that the two have a close relationship.

Most people treat eyebrow gel like an afterthought—the last thing you grab before running out the door, applied quickly and without much technique. Which is exactly why so many brows end up looking crunchy, overdone or inexplicably worse after applying a product that was supposed to help them.

Eyebrow gel is genuinely one of the most useful tools in a makeup kit, but it has a narrow margin for error that most of us have been accidentally working against for years.

The good news is that getting it right doesn't require new products or complicated techniques. It mostly requires understanding a few principles that professional makeup artists apply automatically and that nobody ever really explains to the rest of us.

Whether you're trying to tame unruly brow hairs, create the illusion of fullness or just get your brows to stay put through a long, full day, the easy techniques and tricks here will change how you approach the whole step. Here's what five fabulous makeup artists have to share about their best tips, their go-to brow gel method and the mistakes they see constantly. 

Related:Makeup Artist Reveals the #1 Eyebrow Color Mistake That Washes Out Women With Gray Hair

Our Panel of Makeup Artists

• Amanda Robinson, celebrity lash and brow artist and founder of Iris+West, whose clients include Mandy Moore and Molly Baz
• Lauren D'Amelio Ventre, global makeup educator and celebrity and bridal artist
• T. Cooper, professional makeup artist
• Nydia Figueroa, celebrity makeup artist
• Lisa Eldridge, one of the world's most respected makeup artists and founder of Lisa Eldridge Beauty

Related: ‘Eyebrow Mapping’ Is the Secret to Great Brows at Any Age, Expert Reveals

This Is the Genius Eyebrow Gel Trick Makeup Artists Swear By

The trick that multiple experts keep coming back to independently is one most people have never tried: brush against the grain first, then style into place.

D'Amelio Ventre explains why this works so well: "It coats every hair from the base, creating noticeably more fullness and much better hold with less product," she tells Parade. Once you've brushed backward, you then brush upward through the front of the brow and diagonally outward toward the tail.

"It creates lift while still looking soft and effortless," she adds.

Figueroa uses the same approach, applying gel in the opposite direction of hair growth first and then going back to lay the hairs down. "This way, you're not just applying it to the top layer alone," she explains. "This hack will secure even the most unruly brows."

Eldridge describes it as getting "brow gel right into the roots of the hair, almost back-combing the brows first."

Related:14 Best Brow Gels for 2026, Tested by Makeup Artists

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How To Use Eyebrow Gel for Fuller-Looking Brows

The illusion of fullness comes from dimension rather than product volume. Eldridge's technique is primo for this. "I like to brush the gel upwards first because it instantly reveals the brow's natural fullness, then gently smooth the hairs into the shape I want while the gel is still workable," she explains. "You're creating the illusion of more volume simply by lifting and separating each hair."

Robinson calls this approach "backcombing"—brushing against the grain to lift each hair and fan it out, coating the entire surface rather than just the top.

"You get the illusion of more density without adding a single extra hair," she says.

D'Amelio Ventre adds an interesting counterintuitive point about sparse areas. "Ironically, I also avoid filling every tiny gap," she tells Parade. "Natural brows have variation and a little negative space. Leaving some of that texture visible actually creates a much more realistic, fuller-looking brow."

Related: 12 Best Eyebrow Growth Serums for Fuller, Thicker Brows, Tested by Dermatologists

How to apply eyebrow gel without it looking stiff or overdone

The answer everyone gives is the same (and it's a little counterintuitive!): use less product than you think you need.

"I always remove excess product from the wand before it ever touches the brow," D'Amelio Ventre says. "Most people aren't using the wrong eyebrow gel. They're simply using too much of it."

Robinson's method is similar; you load the spoolie lightly, wipe the excess on a tissue and brush in short upward strokes rather than one heavy swipe. The goal, she says, is brows that look groomed, not glued down.

If too much product is already on, Cooper has a great tip: "After applying, I like to brush through the brows a few more times with whatever product is left on the wand," she explains. "This removes excess product while keeping enough behind to hold the hairs in place."

D'Amelio Ventre says that "while laminated brows have been trending, working with your natural growth pattern almost always creates a more flattering result. My goal is never to create a completely different brow. It's to enhance the one you already have."

Related: This Is the Best Eyebrow Color for Gray Hair, According to a Makeup Artist

How to make eyebrow gel last all day

Clean brows hold gel dramatically better than brows with anything in them.

"Brows often have moisturizer, foundation, sunscreen or powder sitting on the hairs, and those products can prevent the gel from gripping properly," D'Amelio Ventre explains. Her solution is brushing through the brows with a clean spoolie before applying any gel.

Figueroa adds a timing note that most people get wrong: "Many people apply brow gel before makeup, and I feel that might be a mistake because when you apply your makeup afterward, powder can cling to the gel," she tells Parade. "Your best bet is to apply it last and seal your brows so they're fresh and not disrupted."

For extreme longevity—D'Amelio Ventre's bridal clients need brows to survive 12 to 16 hours of heat, humidity and dancing the night away—she presses the gel into the hairs rather than skimming over the surface. "It anchors the product around each individual hair, creating exceptional hold without making the brows feel stiff," she explains.

Robinson reaches for light-hold hairspray when she wants to avoid any of the shine or crunchiness that gel can leave behind. "Spray a little onto a spoolie and brush your brow hairs into place," she says. "It gives you a soft hold without that shiny, crunchy look you get from piling on too much gel."

"Long before I became a makeup artist, I worked for photo shoots and saw old school makeup artists use hairspray and a toothbrush to hold brows in place," Cooper says. "If I'm ever out of brow gel, I'll spray hairspray on a spoolie and brush the brows into place. Works every time."

Related:The Beauty Product Expiration Dates You Should Actually Follow, Dermatologists Explain

Clear vs. Tinted Eyebrow Gel: Which Should You Use?

Both, depending on what your brows need. Clear gel is for brows that already have good color and density and just need hold. Tinted gel is for brows that have lighter hair, sparse areas or could use a bit more definition without requiring a full pencil step.

"Clear brow gel is great to lock them in if you have already used another product to fill them in," she says, adding that when brows are already loaded with product, a tinted gel can tip things into overdone territory.

"Check that the formula doesn't flake or leave white residue," Eldridge says—which is the main downside of some clear gels and worth testing before committing.

Robinson keeps both in her kit because every client situation is different. The right choice, she says, depends on brow density, hair color and the overall makeup look being created.

Related: Can You Use Minoxidil To Grow Out Your Eyebrows?

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5 Common Eyebrow Gel Mistakes To Avoid, Makeup Artists Warn

Here's what the experts say you should stop doing with your brows.

1. Using too much product

This is the mistake every single expert raises first. More gel creates heavier, crunchier, more obvious brows rather than fuller, more defined ones.

Robinson's rule is to wipe the excess off the spoolie before application. Cooper's fix is to brush through the brows several more times after application to distribute and remove any excess. As D'Amelio Ventre says, "More gel doesn't create fuller brows. It creates heavier brows."

2. Choosing a tinted gel that's too dark

The goal of a tinted gel is to add subtle depth and definition, not to dramatically darken the brow.

"Brows should frame the eyes, not overpower them," D'Amelio Ventre says. Going one shade lighter than your instinct often produces a more natural result.

Related: The Eyebrow Gel Hack Women Over 50 Need To Try ASAP, According to Anastasia Beverly Hills’ CEO

3. Brushing in only one direction

Cooper recommends brushing through the brows in every direction—up, down, left and right—before settling into the final shape. "This makes sure the product is evenly distributed," she explains.

Applying gel in only one direction leaves some hairs coated and others untouched, which creates inconsistency in hold and finish.

4. Not letting it dry before touching your face

Robinson calls this out as one of the most common mistakes she sees. Gel needs a few seconds to set before you touch the area, press glasses against your face or do anything else that might disturb the shape. Skipping this step undoes the technique before it has a chance to work.

5. Treating gel as a stand-alone fix

"There's sometimes a tendency to treat brow gel like a 'fix-all' product, when actually it works best when it's enhancing what's already there," Eldridge says. "If the brows haven't been lightly filled or shaped where needed, no amount of gel will quite replace that structure."

D'Amelio Ventre suggests stepping back several feet once the brows are finished.

"Brows can appear perfectly balanced from six inches away but look completely different from conversational distance," she says. "Beautiful eyebrows should support the face, not steal the spotlight."

Up Next:

Science fiction novels are consistently popular among book readers. Within the last two decades, sci-fi fans have been treated to novels that stretch the imagination and pose questions about future societies and new worlds. The publication Collider recently spotlighted acclaimed science fiction books released after 2001 with a ranking of "the 13 greatest sci-fi books of the past 20 years."

The list, published on July 17, included novels like Suzanne Collins' young adult hit The Hunger Games, published in 2008, Blake Crouch's 2016 book Dark Matter, 2014's Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, and Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem, released in 2008. Collider crowned Andy Weir's popular 2011 novel, The Martian, as the top sci-fi book published after 2001.

Weir's novel, which first drew in fans when it was a self-published project, has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 1,356,841 readers on Goodreads. The book's 2015 film adaptation, which has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91 percent, proved to be a blockbuster with a worldwide gross of $630,621,406, as reported by Box Office Mojo.

Andy Weir Shared How He Came Up With the Premise of 'The Martian' in a 2015 Interview

In a 2015 interview on The Talking Room, Weir shared how he came up with The Martian, which follows astronaut Mark Watney navigating Mars while alone. He explained that he had been researching space flights and daydreaming about what a mission to Mars would look like before even deciding to write a book.

"I'm kind of a dork. And so I really like to sit around and think about the space agency and space programs and manned and unmanned space flight. I was sitting around thinking how could we do a manned Mars mission, like with the technology we have right now," explained the author, who also wrote the 2021 novel, Project Hail Mary. "What would it entail? How do you get people to Mars? How do you get them to the surface? How do you get them back up? It takes a lot of Delta-V, and you need to have a ship that can support people for months at a time. But at the same time, you need to land on Mars and come back."

He then said that he began to look into "all these things that could go wrong" for a crew while on Mars and tried to propose different solutions.

"This could break, that could break, these two things could break at the same time. How do we deal with that? And then I started to realize the increasingly desperate solutions. I'm like, 'Well, theoretically, they could survive if they did this and that.' I realized that makes for a pretty interesting story, so I created a poor, hapless main character and subjected him to all of them," quipped Weir during the 2015 interview.

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Summer is well underway, ushering in sunshine, searing temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Sprucing up your garden is a great way to get into that summer spirit, and these solar sunflower lights are the perfect addition, especially since they’re on sale at Walmart right now. 

Normally priced at $37, the Keyohome Sunflower Solar Garden Lights are down to $18. This set comes with two vibrant stake lights, which each sport three solar sunflower heads. Shoppers can also snag a set of stake lights with six heads each for $20 and a single head duo for $14.

Keyohome Sunflower Solar Garden Lights, $18 (was $37) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

These sunflower lights come with warm-white LEDs that "brighten up" any patio and a built-in rechargeable battery that charges in direct sunlight. Expect around eight to twelve hours of runtime after four to six hours of charging, with automatic on at dusk and off at dawn settings (there’s also a manual switch). The build mixes silk petals with a stainless steel stem and a plastic base, finished with an IP65 waterproof rating for protection. 

One helpful reviewer said that these sunflower lights “add beauty” and “look great with our landscaping during the day and light up at night.” This same shopper also said that many of their neighbors stop by to compliment them on the lights, too. A second reviewer said that the lights are “so cute,” and another wrote, “I was afraid these would look cheesy, but took a chance and I love them!”

The fact that these are solar powered makes them super convenient, and you don’t have to mess around with cables or plugs: “No cords or electricity needed. All solar.” While they look great during the day, they really come to life at night, and one shopper said, “These are so pretty and beautiful at night when they light up.”

Related: Walmart's 'Comfy' $20 Strappy Slip-in Sandals 'Pack Easily and Go With Everything'

If you don’t want to wait for flowers to bloom, the Keyohome Sunflower Solar Garden Lights can be yours for just $18. This flash deal will only stick around for a limited time, so if you want to lock down these savings, now’s the time to grab them. 

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